Can you feel it? Years and years of collecting lottery picks, of having GMs ask themselves questions and answer them in real time (‘do I think we can solve all of the problems this summer?’ ‘Yes, I think I can!’), of taking defensemen to arbitration to earn a buyout window and then not using it. Honestly, it is exhausting.

Today, now, Peter Chiarelli has chosen to go to war with advisors Craig MacTavish, Scott Howson and others from the previous administration. He has his brother in the OHL (a very important league this spring) but there are a lot of names in there who were part of the bad times.

SERAVALLI’S LIST

Frank Seravalli (our guest each Thursday on the Lowdown) put out a list of assets in play for the summer—with Edmonton receiving a starring role:

No. 1 asset—Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

No. 4 asset—Oilers No. 4 overall selection

No. 12 asset—Jordan Eberle

No. 18 asset—Nail Yakupov

All of these trade options have been discussed at length, but having Nuge at No. 1 is a further confirmation of what we have discussed throughout the winter and spring. As I wrote just the other day, Ryan Rishaug, Mark Spector and others didn’t pull this idea out of nowhere—Seravalli is the latest in a long line of connected media to mention him. As you know, I remain convinced the Nuge is more valuable to the Oilers as an Oiler, but that may not be the view of Peter Chiarelli. Who goes? I will guess RNH and Nail. Who comes in? I will guess a RHD and a draft pick.

One thing you can be sure of: If the Oilers trade Nuge they are also adding a veteran center. I will guess Tyler Bozak.

The Oilers did not retain the rights to Daniil Zharkov, who they would have had to sign by yesterday as well.

Along with Keven Bouchard not being signed, the Oilers continue to cull the herd. I will post the 50-man list tomorrow morning, but wanted to post what I believe to be the actual prospect list (fewer than 50 NHL games) at this time.

NHL combine is underway, lots of stories to come over the next few days. One area I will be looking at: draft re-entries and pure NHLE as it relates to ranking. Some items tomorrow morning on this, including the idea of drafting by straight up points, and identifying gaps in quality.

The #Oilers have added Jeremy Coupal as their new Video Coach. Coupal, 27, spent the last three seasons as @PredsNHL's Video Coordinator.

88 Responses to "LONG RIDE HOME"

This is probably going to sound really dumb, but the more I think about it, the more I think the 4th OV should be treated like the 37th OV was in 2013. Turn it into lots of players. Our prospect depth at wing and RD are just so weak, and some of the best even strength producers in the draft are slated to go in the 20-50 range.

I know this goes against what a lot of the scouts are saying, but hang with me. All the trades are speculative, but hopefully they can be considered “in the range” for the sake of argument.

Trade the #4 to Arizona for the #7 and #20 selections.

Trade the #7 and #62 (compensating for the Chia pick) to the Bruins for #14 and #29

Then draft:

Charlie McAvoy or Dante Fabbro at #14

Alex DeBrincat at #20

Adam Mascherin at #29

Taylor Raddysh at #32

So in summary, we are trading Tkachuk for one of the best RHD in the draft, and the 2nd and 3rd best primary even strength producers in the CHL, only behind Dubois, and then we are drafting Raddysh, who also produces better than Tkachuk by the same metric, and plays on a line with DeBrincat.

That pretty much solves any prospect issues we have, statistically gives us at least 2 future NHL players (though I’d bet on 3 or 4) who won’t be demanding $6M+ contracts when their ELC expires. They will fit with the cap, and McDavid’s core.

Then, use a mix of Nurse/Reinhart, Yakupov, Pouliot, 2017 picks, and possibly one of Eberle/Nuge/Hall to address the current RHD. Something like sign Demers, Pouliot and Reinhart for Vatanen, and Yakupov for Severson.

I know that is never going to happen, but it’s a way to impact the roster and prospect pool in major ways without giving up significant assets, and lessen the potential impact of an expansion draft.

It appears that Coupal was a goalie before he made the switch to coaching. It seems like a lateralish move for him. Just happy the Oilers don’t have to give up something stupid like a 2nd round pick in order to hire him.

With the Expansion Draft announcement due soon, will it be held before or after the Draft? The Oilers primary Trade Assets are picks #4 and #32, along with every player (not named Connor McDavid) that doesn’t have to be protected. When we know, things will move fast.

Richard S.S.:
With the Expansion Draft announcement due soon, will it be held before or after the Draft?The Oilers primary Trade Assets are picks #4 and #32, along with every player (not named Connor McDavid) that doesn’t have to be protected. When we know, things will move fast.

Traditionally, the expansion draft is held right after the Stanley Cup and leads into the entry draft.

Rondo:
If Oilers trade down, my guess it would have to be with Calgary. I think Oilers would take Sergachev at #6.

That might make sense for the Oilers, but given that all of; Tkachuk, Dubois, and Nylander fit Cgy’s needs, and that one of them (or Keller, or Chychrun, or Juolevi…) will be fine at #6. So, why would Cgy want to pay just to move up to #4?

I’m not saying it won’t happen, but if Calgary moves up, my bet is that do it with Clb in a deal that sends the Jackets a C (Backlund) and the #6.

This is probably going to sound really dumb, but the more I think about it, the more I think the 4th OV should be treated like the 37th OV was in 2013. Turn it into lots of players. Our prospect depth at wing and RD are just so weak, and some of the best even strength producers in the draft are slated to go in the 20-50 range.

I know this goes against what a lot of the scouts are saying, but hang with me. All the trades are speculative, but hopefully they can be considered “in the range” for the sake of argument.

Trade the #4 to Arizona for the #7 and #20 selections.

Trade the #7 and #62 (compensating for the Chia pick) to the Bruins for #14 and #29

Then draft:

Charlie McAvoy or Dante Fabbro at #14

Alex DeBrincat at #20

Adam Mascherin at #29

Taylor Raddysh at #32

So in summary, we are trading Tkachuk for one of the best RHD in the draft, and the 2nd and 3rd best primary even strength producers in the CHL, only behind Dubois, and then we are drafting Raddysh, who also produces better than Tkachuk by the same metric, and plays on a line with DeBrincat.

That pretty much solves any prospect issues we have, statistically gives us at least 2 future NHL players (though I’d bet on 3 or 4) who won’t be demanding $6M+ contracts when their ELC expires. They will fit with the cap, and McDavid’s core.

Then, use a mix of Nurse/Reinhart, Yakupov, Pouliot, 2017 picks, and possibly one of Eberle/Nuge/Hall to address the current RHD. Something like sign Demers, Pouliot and Reinhart for Vatanen, and Yakupov for Severson.

I know that is never going to happen, but it’s a way to impact the roster and prospect pool in major ways without giving up significant assets, and lessen the potential impact of an expansion draft.

Nicely thought out.

The thing that causes issue with trading down is that the odds of finding impact playersdrops rapidlyoff the top and starts to even out in the middle of the second round say.

So for this year it means # 4 has a strong chance of being a great NHL player, and after the odds of getting simply ‘an NHL player’ start dropping off rapidly to 25% in the first round and then down from there.

In things posters have brought here, teams that trade down often lose out on players that are very good (assuming they would have drafted the same player) and teams that traded up often made out like bandits.

There is still a situational aspect. If you could trade a 28 for two better second rounders you probably are better off.

I like the idea of grouping low round picks for higher. 7 and 5 for 3, 6 and 4 for 3 etc. In terms of stocking the system you are far more likely to find AHL players at least.

2 second round for a. first probably nets a higher quality player. Remember average players are not hard to get and aren’t consistently the difference makers. The draft is best used to find that type of player who is really pricey in free agency or not even available at all.

With Nurse and Reinhart ineligible to be selected, the Oilers only need to protect Sekera, Klefbom and Davidson. So their format should be 7-3-1 and not 8-1. Closer to the draft, that might’ve changed.

Cameron: That might make sense for the Oilers, but given that all of; Tkachuk, Dubois, and Nylander fit Cgy’s needs, and that one of them (or Keller, or Chychrun, or Juolevi…) why would Cgy want to pay move up to #4?

I’m not saying it won’t happen, but if Calgary moves up, my bet is that do it with Clb in a deal that sends the Jackets a C (Backlund) and the #6.

Richard S.S.:
With Nurse and Reinhart ineligible to be selected, the Oilers only need to protect Sekera, Klefbom and Davidson.So their format should be 7-3-1 and not 8-1.Closer to the draft, that might’ve changed.

Agreed, I often take “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” view, but for this draft in particular some of the best even strength producers are slated to go in the late first round/early second round.

The more I think about it, the more I think multiple “middle six” players are more valuable to the team than one top line player. I mean, we already have Hall, Ebs and Nuge making $6M a year, Draisaitl will probably ask for that, and McDavid will get even more. Could we really afford Tkachuk or Dubois making that much too within a few years?

Just looking at guys like Rust and Sheary in Pittsburgh right now coming up from the farm and making an impact with a relatively inexpensive contract makes me realize that there isn’t really anyone in Edmonton’s prospect pool who is capable of doing that.

A part of it for me is definitely biased, thinking that DeBrincat, Mascherin, and Raddysh are much, MUCH lower ranked than they should be, but just thinking that in three years we could have:

As our top 9 is much more appealing than drafting Tkachuk or Dubois and putting all of our eggs in one expensive basket for the top 6. I know that none of the people I’ve been discussing have played an NHL game, but historically from their production and abilities they will have a great chance of having a good career.

Quality players coming in on ELC’s are going to be so incredibly important to the Oilers as soon as McDavid’s ELC runs out, which means it is so important to draft some good bets right now so they can develop in time.

Cameron: That might make sense for the Oilers, but given that all of; Tkachuk, Dubois, and Nylander fit Cgy’s needs, and that one of them (or Keller, or Chychrun, or Juolevi…) will be fine at #6. So, why would Cgy want to pay just to move up to #4?

I’m not saying it won’t happen, but if Calgary moves up, my bet is that do it with Clb in a deal that sends the Jackets a C (Backlund) and the #6.

man if the jackets traded down for a fringe 2C/good 3C, the city would burn. Sign Nielsen in FA and lose nothing

Agreed, I often take “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” view, but for this draft in particular some of the best even strength producers are slated to go in the late first round/early second round.

The more I think about it, the more I think multiple “middle six” players are more valuable to the team than one top line player. I mean, we already have Hall, Ebs and Nuge making $6M a year, Draisaitl will probably ask for that, and McDavid will get even more. Could we really afford Tkachuk or Dubois making that much too within a few years?

Just looking at guys like Rust and Sheary in Pittsburgh right now coming up from the farm and making an impact with a relatively inexpensive contract makes me realize that there isn’t really anyone in Edmonton’s prospect pool who is capable of doing that.

A part of it for me is definitely biased, thinking that DeBrincat, Mascherin, and Raddysh are much, MUCH lower ranked than they should be, but just thinking that in three years we could have:

As our top 9 is much more appealing than drafting Tkachuk or Dubois and putting all of our eggs in one expensive basket for the top 6. I know that none of the people I’ve been discussing have played an NHL game, but historically from their production and abilities they will have a great chance of having a good career.

Quality players coming in on ELC’s are going to be so incredibly important to the Oilers as soon as McDavid’s ELC runs out, which means it is so important to draft some good bets right now so they can develop in time.

That’s just my two cents at least

I agree that more better players are more valuable than one any player. This is the problem with Subban’s contract – is he better alone than 2 good D? What if he gets hurt?

The problem is that the elite players are hard to get. Hoping the players you mentioned are the diamonds in

Simple trade in my opinion. Nuge+ whoever for Jenner and Savard. Columbus runs Foligno-Hopkins-Puljujarvi, Saad-Dubinsky-Atkinson with Jones-Murray and Johnson-Werenski. We get a solid RHD in Savard and another all round C-Lw in Jenner who can play all situations. Add picks or prospects to even out.

Maybe Jarmo can be talked into taking his fellow Finn Korpse too to help ease Puljujarvi’s transition to America!

I no longer believe that Chiarelli is the lone man in charge. I don’t believe Mact and Lowe have less power. I think Katz pulled those guys away from the media and brought in Chiarelli to be the face and part of the “team”.

Last summer reeked of Mact and Lowe moves and watching Mact at the draft next to Connor also made my eyebrow raise. All those moves failed and Mact and Howson are still there.

I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I think the board is going loonie tonight. I get the idea of trading down to get more picks, but you don’t trade a 4th pick that is virtually a lock to be a top 6 forward for more numerous lower picks. I can see the logic of trading the 32nd pick for multiple lower round picks, but not the 4th. I’m really hoping this is our last kick at the can for a high end pick for many years. We either use it or trade it as part of a package for a surefire dman.

Griffin Reinhart should be ineligible to be drafted in the Expansion Draft because he only played 8 games in 2014-2015 so he should be a one year rookie, like Nurse and McDavid. Brandon Davidson must be protected because he played 12 games in 2014-2015 so he’s official played two years. If I’m wrong please explain.

anonymous:
I no longer believe that Chiarelli is the lone man in charge. I don’t believe Mact and Lowe have less power. I think Katz pulled those guys away from the media and brought in Chiarelli to be the face and part of the “team”.

Last summer reeked of Mact and Lowe moves and watching Mactat the draft next to Connor also made my eyebrow raise. All those moves failed and Mact and Howson are still there.

These things may very well be true. I can guarantee you that eventually it will catch up with the Katz if it is true.

Edmonton doesn’t have the population to sustain bad and even hostile to fans behavior from the Oilers as Montreal and Toronto.

If there isn’t a fresh approach the team will pay, especially because Connor. There can be no excuse making now and the sudden changes last summer reflect a recognition of that.

Griffin Reinhart should be ineligible to be drafted in the Expansion Draft because he only played 8 games in 2014-2015 so he should be a one year rookie, like Nurse and McDavid.Brandon Davidson must be protected because he played 12 games in 2014-2015 so he’s official played two years.If I’m wrong please explain.

Reinhart was drafted in 2012, turned pro in 2014. The coming season will be his third pro year.

I take it you don’t believe Yakupov will net much in a trade?Personally, if his perceived value is that low, I’d put him on Drai or McDavid’s wing and at least try to pump his value.

I didn’t know what the hell to do with him.
I tend to agree with you, but fear the split is irrevocable, or irreversible, or some other ir word.
But if they kept him, it’d mean signing one less UFA winger. So, no prob.

are we thinking the top 3 D will be gonne by #10? would love a Barrie deal around 4, 10, Barrie, and whatever else from EDM’s side and to come away with maybe Sergachev or Chychrun. Maybe wishful thinking.

NYCOIL "Gentleman Backpacker": If the Oilers trade Hall in a 1 for 3, “You’re going the wrong way.”
Edit- I didn’t even see the Eberle one. You have 2 contracts going out, 7 coming in. There is a 50 man limit.

In the First Place, the Hall deal is one for four.

In the Second Place, none of the 2016 draftees would play pro next year [If I were the King of Hockey]. Wotherspoon can still play junior too. Plus, the Oilers could throw a Platzer-like prospect into each trade. Plus, the Oilers don’t have to re-sign Gryba. I could go on and on.

In the Second Place, none of the 2016 draftees would play pro next year [If I were the King of Hockey].Wotherspoon can still play junior too. Plus, the Oilers could throw a Platzer-like prospect into each trade.Plus, the Oilers don’t have to re-sign Gryba.I could go on and on.

If we are trading Nuge to Colorado I expect more than Tyson Barrie, is that fair?

Things get kind of touchy at that point.

In my opinion the Oilers would have to answer these questions first:
1: Are the Avalanche trading Duchene this summer? If the answer is no, maybe you don’t have to offer Nuge

2: Can you get Duchene in the same deal with Barrie? I think the answer is yes.

3: If the answer to #2 is yes, what would that require you add in addition to Nuge in that deal?

3: Would Klefbom be enough? I think the answer is yes.

4: Is Klefbom too much? I am torn on this one. I want to say yes but doubt very much most of the actual NHL agrees with me. And Peter is dealing with the league, not internet comments.

LT, what is your opinion on a Avalanche – Oiler trade? What would your answers be to those 4 questions if you were Oilers GM?

I would actually like everyone’s opinion on this one.

OK, I got scolded the other day for suggesting trading 24 year old Brandon Davidson who is signed for 2 years at 1.4 mil with 1 extra year of club control. Yet people keep suggesting we trade 22 year old Oscar Klefbom who is signed for 7 more years at 4 mil. This is the best contract that the Oilers have. They would be fools to trade Klef.
And yes Colorado would jump at this trade. No way the Oilers offer it.

anonymous:
I no longer believe that Chiarelli is the lone man in charge. I don’t believe Mact and Lowe have less power. I think Katz pulled those guys away from the media and brought in Chiarelli to be the face and part of the “team”.

Last summer reeked of Mact and Lowe moves and watching Mactat the draft next to Connor also made my eyebrow raise. All those moves failed and Mact and Howson are still there.

Just to follow up
What I’m doing here is writing off the “Hall Cluster”
All Hail the New King!

I can’t visualize the trade that sends one $6mm Man out and improves the team.
Also, I can’t visualize a team trading the Oilers a Top-4 RHD in exchange for a pick 4 to 6 spots better.
So, reading all these suggestions that either of the above will happen got me looking at the problem from a slightly different angle.
I don’t necessarily like or prefer my “Serious” suggestion, but I can visualize it.

Cameron: Agreed, but I would think Cgy might package some of the three 2nd rnd picks in the deal as ‘sweetner’.

Also, Backlund > Nielsen by a fair margin.

So the guy who you judge to be “better” has just come off a career year where he eclipsed the 40-pt plateau for the first time while the inferior player has scored 40 or more points / 82 six consecutive seasons, including two 50+ point campaigns.

You’re normally a pretty good baserunner Cameron but I think we’re picking you off on this one.

Have we any clarification on whether expansion fees count towards HRR?

If they do you get a $1B windfall for adding two teams.

I presume the owners will find a way to not give any to the players if at all possible.

That said, in theory, 2 teams means 2/30 or roughly a 6.7 percent increase in revenue, meaning ceteris paribus the cap will go up in 2017-2018 by 6.7 percent. Bails out the capped out teams again. Oilers can spend on guys like Demers or Sobotka or Eriksson and still have room for Drai and McDavid when their new cap hits kick in.

Woodguy: That’s an interesting signing and it may have implications for the Oilers.

Cizkas was 2nd behind only Tavares in 5v5 scoring this year playing with players who are not noted for scoring in Martin and Clutteruck.

It looks like Snow has him tabbed to take Nielsen’s spot.

I’m not convinced he can do it, but that’s besides the point.

So if Nielsen is available, this changes the RNH equation.

Nielsen is about as effective as RNH against the same comp, but he’s cheaper.

I’m a big RNH fan and think that relying on DrySaddle to play those minutes is a mistake today.

However, I’ve always thought the right time to move RNH was at the end of McDavid’s contact as DrySaddle *should* be able to handle 2C by then.

But if Chia can replace RNH with Nielsen at a reasonable ticket, then I’d be ok cashing in RNH for a Dman right now.

Nielsen is 32 now so you can’t go too long on the contract, but he’s a very good C.

Do you have any spidey senses on this one? From what I hear he will stay with the Isles for 3 years ~14m. He loves it there and they love him. I suspect Strome or Nelson may shake loose along with Okposo and maybe Martin now.

who: OK, I got scolded the other day for suggesting trading 24 year old Brandon Davidson who is signed for 2 years at 1.4 mil with 1 extra year of club control. Yet people keep suggesting we trade 22 year old Oscar Klefbom who is signed for 7 more years at 4 mil. This is the best contract that the Oilers have. They would be fools to trade Klef.
And yes Colorado would jump at this trade. No way the Oilers offer it.

I think the concern with Klef is injury. Look at his bio at hockey db. He’s never played a full season, even his three years in Sweden. That has to be a huge red flag for any team.

I could be out to lunch, but I would think the extra revenues by adding a team would increase the HRR but there are now 23 additional guys at the table. At the end of the day unless an expansion franchise greatly outperforms the average in terms of revenue, increases to the cap will be negligible.

JimmyV1965: I think the concern with Klef is injury.Look at his bio at hockey db. He’s never played a full season, even his three years in Sweden. That has to be a huge red flag for any team.

That’s not correct. He’s played full seasons in Sweden where he jumped back and forth between juniors and the men’s team. The only longer hiatus he’s had in Sweden was when he injured his shoulder. He missed some time as a safety measure due to a suspected head injury that was later deemed to not have been a concussion.
I still don’t see a pattern in his injuries. The issue for me is him missing valuable developement time during some crucial years which might either stall his progress or delay it a few years.
Word is that he’s in the physical shape of his life but he hasn’t been able to skateduring the spring, obviously quite important for a hockey player, do think has been skating for some weeks now though but that info isn’t from a very good source so take it for what it’s worth.

anonymous:
I no longer believe that Chiarelli is the lone man in charge. I don’t believe Mact and Lowe have less power. I think Katz pulled those guys away from the media and brought in Chiarelli to be the face and part of the “team”.

Last summer reeked of Mact and Lowe moves and watching Mactat the draft next to Connor also made my eyebrow raise. All those moves failed and Mact and Howson are still there.

I really don’t think Chiarelli would have taken the gig if that were true.

But the optics just don’t look right, and the architects of the second half and most mismanaged era of the rebuild are still there and their voices are being heard, which is scary.

I also suspect some meddling, i.e. Katz going to bat for MacT/Howson’s ideas may be going on behind the scenes.

Who was really behind running Schultz at crazy minutes all year?
Why wasn’t Nikitin bought out?
Why did our quality veteran coach who despite his dump tendencies and being vastly more flexible in San Jose look like the second coming of Dallas Eakins in unbending “we’re going to play this way” mode?

Something smells fishy.

I hope Chiarelli has more free rein in making the moves we need to turn the corner this summer, and he takes the old boy “scouting” with a grain of salt, since he’s the GM and president of hockey ops and he’s ultimately responsible if this doesn’t turn around.

If Katz is still playing his old boy games, it will come home to roost, and with the new arena he could be leaving a ton of cash on the table if it all goes south because he needs his 80s Oiler crew around.

Seems to me that a lot of trade proposals here are based on what would be best for the Oilers without really taken into consideration the needs of the other teams. The two deals mentioned a lot here lately are some form of Nuge for Barrie or Nuge for Faulk. Neither one of these deals make sense from the perspective of the other team.
Why would Colorado, with one of the worst defenses in the league, trade one of their legit blueliners for another skill forward. That is their team strength, why sacrifice a dman to add to it.
And why would Carolina trade their best dman with a 4 mil contract for a centerman that they don’t need earning 6 mil. They already have Stall, Rask and Lindholm at center and next year they will have a player with the exact same skill set as Nuge in Aho. Doesn’t make sense
Everyone seems to agree that the Oilers most pressing need is on defense, particularly right shooters, so it only makes sense to search out teams that have a surplus.
Anaheim, Winnipeg, Buffalo are certainly teams that have an excess of righty dmen or in Anaheims case just a general excess of dmen
Anaheims biggest hole is on left wing so Pouillot for Vatanen makes a lot of sense for both teams although I am not sure Vatanen would be a big difference maker for Edmonton. If they want to go whale hunting some form of Hall for Lindholm would certainly improve the Oilers defense or would give them the flexibility to trade a lefty dmen which is a position of relative strength.
Winnipeg and Buffalo are deep in righties and short on quality leftys on the blueline so these teams would appear to be good trading partners as well.
I would rank Edmontons best trade assets, other than MacDavid, as Hall, Drai, Klef, 4OV, Nurse, Nuge and Eberle in that order. I think the two players who have the best chance of increasing their trade value in the next year are Nuge and Nurse and the two players who have the best chance of losing trade value are Hall and Drai. I sure hope the Oilers don’t sell low on some of these guys.
And this brings me to Yak. Most posters are assuming he is traded this winter but what would be the point? Can his value get any lower? It would seem prudent to me to keep him another year, hope he rebounds, and then cash in when he does. Seems like a pretty safe bet. What do they really have to lose?

Mr DeBakey: I didn’t know what the hell to do with him.
I tend to agree with you, but fear the split is irrevocable, or irreversible, or some other ir word.
But if they kept him, it’d mean signing one less UFA winger. So, no prob.

(sorry for the late response) I think you’re right too. It’s sad that we’re at a point where the best case scenario may be a pump-and-dump (and the worst case is going to be a low 2nd round pick). How brutal will it be if Yak ends up netting a 2nd round pick, too low to compensate the Bruins for Chia?

who:
Seems to me that a lot of trade proposals here are based on what would be best for the Oilers without really taken into consideration the needs of the other teams. The two deals mentioned a lot here lately are some form of Nuge for Barrie or Nuge forFaulk. Neither one of these deals make sense from the perspective of the other team.
Why would Colorado, with one of the worst defenses in the league, trade one of their legit blueliners for another skill forward. That is their team strength, why sacrifice a dman to add to it.
And why would Carolina trade their best dman with a 4 mil contract for a centerman that they don’t need earning 6 mil. They already have Stall, Rask and Lindholm at center and next year they will have a player with the exact same skill set as Nuge in Aho. Doesn’t make sense
Everyone seems to agree that the Oilers most pressing need is on defense, particularly right shooters, so it only makes sense to search out teams that have a surplus.
Anaheim, Winnipeg, Buffalo are certainly teams that have an excess of righty dmen or in Anaheims case just a general excess of dmen
Anaheims biggest hole is on left wing so Pouillot for Vatanen makes a lot of sense for both teams although I am not sure Vatanen would be a big difference maker for Edmonton. If they want to go whale hunting some form of Hall for Lindholm would certainly improve the Oilers defense or would give them the flexibility to trade a lefty dmen which is a position of relative strength.
Winnipeg and Buffalo are deep in righties and short on quality leftys on the blueline so these teams would appear to be good trading partners as well.
I would rank Edmontons best trade assets, other than MacDavid, as Hall, Drai, Klef, 4OV, Nurse, Nuge and Eberle in that order.I think the two players who have the best chance of increasing their trade value in the next year are Nuge and Nurse and the two players who have the best chance of losing trade value are Hall and Drai. I sure hope the Oilers don’t sell low on some of these guys.
And this brings me to Yak. Most posters are assuming he is traded this winter but what would be the point? Can his value get any lower? It would seem prudent to me to keep him another year, hope he rebounds, and then cash in when he does. Seems like a pretty safe bet. What do they really have to lose?

This is nicely put, IMO.

I, too, expect some trades and free agent signings that will underwhelm us initially.
The thing we never know for sure is which players are ‘bad in the room’ and are on the trading block for qualitative reasons. Colorado strikes me as an org that would deal from this perspective.